BCB to continue talks with ICC on T20 World Cup

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the board termed such reports as ‘completely false and unfounded,’ clarifying that the communication received from the global body was cooperative in nature.

The clarification comes amidst a deepening diplomatic and sporting crisis triggered by the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, which led Bangladesh to request a venue change for their World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka citing security concerns.

“The BCB categorically states that such claims (of an ultimatum) ... do not reflect the nature or content of the communication received from the ICC,” the media release read.

The board confirmed that the ICC has formally responded to Bangladesh's concerns regarding the safety and security of the national team.

According to the BCB, the ICC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Bangladesh's ‘full and uninterrupted participation’ and has expressed a willingness to work closely with the board on detailed security planning.

The BCB emphasized that it would continue ‘constructive engagement’ with the ICC to reach an “affable and practical solution.”

This diplomatic tone comes as a slight shift from the hardline stance seen earlier in the week, where government officials had signaled a potential boycott of the tournament if the venue was not changed, reports UNB. 

However, the board reiterated that the safety and well-being of the players remain its ‘highest priority.’